News and commentary on Congress and US Foreign Policy

June 15, 2004

Senate Defense Authorization Votes

The Senate voted down 55-42 an amendment introduced by Senators Feinstein and Kennedy to cut funding for several new nuclear weapons programs. Republican Lincoln Chafee (RI) crossed over to vote for the amendment. Democrats Bayh (IN), Hollings (SC), Miller (GA), Nelson (FL) and Nelson (NE) voted with Republicans against the amendment. Democrats John Kerry (MA) and Patrick Leahy (VT) and Independent Jim Jeffords did not vote. Check the roll call.

In happier news, the Senate passed two other amendments, one to require the Pentagon to reimburse soldiers and their familes for purchases of items like body armor. The second provides federal assistance in the local prosecution of hate crimes.

If you live in FL, IN, NE, SC or GA, you might want to give your Senator a call and ask them why they are supporting the development of new nuclear weapons.